The Negro League baseball history fact for today

“Smokey” Joe Williams was born on this date in Seguin, Texas; in the late 1870’s or 1880’s.  The 6’ 4” right hander was the best pitcher in Negro League baseball’s early era.  A smart hurler with a blazing fast ball that constantly moved and with pin point control, Williams played for eight teams over a 22 year career (1910 – 1932).  It was during his best years, 1911 – 1922 with the New York Lincoln Giants, that he was tagged with the nickname; “Smokey”.  Williams was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.